Hither Hills State Park offers visitors scenic picnic areas and fireplaces, sport fishing, a sandy ocean beach, playing fields, a playground and a 189-site campground on the ocean. Anglers can fish year-round and obtain permits to fish at night. The unique "walking dunes" of Napeague Harbor are located on the eastern boundary of the park, which also has woodlands filled with Russian olive, oak, shad and pine trees. Bridle paths and hiking, nature, biking and cross-country ski trails are available.

Dogs only. Access in certain areas of the park only, on a leash not more than 6 feet: north of Montauk Parkway, East of Napeague Harbor and west of overlook parking. Not allowed in camping, bathing and picnic areas. Not allowed in buildings or on walkways. .

Hours of Operation

Park is open year round, 7 days a week, sunrise to sunset.

2017 Camping Season: 4/14 - 11/18

Big game and small game hunting are permitted during season.

Hunting InformationSmall Game: Dec.1 to Feb. 28. No hunting during January Deer Season. No turkey hunting or trapping.Archery: Nov.1 to Dec.31 No turkey hunting/trapping.Waterfowl: Dec.1 to Feb.28. No hunting on weekends or holidays at Hither Hills. No hunting during January Deer Season.Shotgun: Jan.4 to Jan.29, weekdays only.

Fishing: Year round, permit required. Permit also required for night fishing and beach vehicles. Available at park office and Babylon Headquarters.

Recreation Programs: Late June - Early Sept.

Fees & Rates

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.

The Empire Pass -- whether a card for $80 or a vehicle-affixed decal for $65 -- is your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Apply online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.

4 Wheel Beach Vehicle Permit

NYS Vehicle Registration $65Out of State Vehicle Registration $110

7 Day Sport Fishing Permit

$25

Annual Sport Fishing Permit

NYS Vehicle Registration $30Out of State Vehicle Registration $55

Camping

$35/night

$70/night for non-NYS residents

Motor homes, pop-ups and trailers are not allowed in the parking lot Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

Group Camps

Group Camps are available. Please contact the park directly for fees and availability.

Star Gazing Permit

NYS Vehicle Registration $30Out of State Vehicle Registration $55

Vehicle Entrance Fee

Cars $10 daily Non-Profit Buses $35Commercial Buses $75Buses by Permit only (not in July or August) on weekends.

The Napeague BCA consists of portions of Napeague and Hither Hills State Parks. It includes most of Napeague State Park and the western portion of Hither Hills State Park. It is located on eastern Long Island's South Fork.

Pelagic birds in the BCA include Least Terns and, until recently, Common Terns. Hicks Island had supported an average of 25 pairs of Least Terns per year for 14 years and an average of 106 pairs of Common Terns per year for 15 years. In 2006, within the BCA, there were 35 pairs of Least Terns on Hicks Island, 17 pairs at Goff Point and 3 pairs at Napeague Beach although they were unsuccessful. Diversity of birds is due in part to the fact that Napeague/Hither Hills is part of one of the largest, relatively unfragmented areas of maritime open space on eastern LI. Diversity of breeding birds is high including beach/dune species such as Piping Plover, Least Terns and American Oystercatchers. Roseate Terns and Black Skimmers have bred here in the past. Species at risk include both breeding species and wintering Short-eared Owls. The area around Napeague Harbor is one of the few sites on eastern Long Island that is still occupied by Northern Harriers during the breeding season. In addition to breeding by state threatened species, Northern Harrier and Least Terns, and species of special concern, Osprey, the site also hosts state endangered wintering Short-eared Owls. The state-endangered/federally threatened Piping Plover nests at Hicks Island, Goff Point and Napeague Beach.

In 2006, 23 pairs fledged 11 young. In 2005, 18 pairs fledged 23 young. The Hicks Island Common Tern colony was one of the more successful sites for Common Terns on Long Island. Habitat still exists and the site will be managed to increase chance for nesting success.

In addition to statewide hunting regulations, special restrictions are in effect in state parks to protect visitors to ensure sound wildlife management. Hunters are advised to check with the state park regional office and with the local DEC wildlife management office for specific information.

All hunters must have a valid New York State hunting license and, where applicable, a federal waterfowl permit. Waterfowl hunters should note that current state regulations prohibit the use of lead shot.

Hither Hills State Park is open for small game and waterfowl hunting from 12/1 - 2/29. Deer season runs from 1/4-1/29, weekdays only. Hither Hills is also open for archery deer season from 11/1-12/31. Small game and waterfowl hunting are not permitted during January deer season. Trapping/turkey hunting is not permitted.

Hither Hills State Park plays host to a weekly sand castle contest which is open to all ages. Sand, water, and natural materials native to the beach are used to create sculptures. Prizes are awarded in several categories.